Brian McFadden offers to present Top Gear

Singers Brian McFadden and Ellie Goulding have put their names forward to replace British TV presenter Chris Evans as the host of popular motoring show Top Gear.

Evans quit the beleaguered series on Monday (04Jul16) after joining former Friends star Matt LeBlanc to front the revamped BBC show for its first run since the departure of former presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.

However, the new Top Gear failed to win over viewers following its return to TV screens in May (16), and it ended its latest season with the lowest audience of its current series, according to figures released by the BBC. It averaged 1.9 million viewers on Sunday night (03Jul16), a mere 8.6 per cent of the available audience.

Announcing his decision to resign via Twitter, Evans simply wrote:

Stepping down from Top Gear. Gave it my best shot but sometimes that’s not enough. The team are beyond brilliant, I wish them all the best.

Former Westlife star Brian McFadden was more forthright in his proposition.

“Dear @BBC_TopGear I will happily drive the best cars in the world and get paid for it! AND be pretty happy about it!” he began. The Irish singer then poked fun at the problems with prompted Clarkson’s departure from the show last year (15), after he was initially suspended for becoming embroiled in a bust-up with producer Oisin Tymon over catering arrangements.

Brian added:

And @BBC_TopGear I promise not to punch any producers or hit on anyone! Except matt le blanc. He’s dreamy

He then quipped, “Just had two missed calls. If that’s you @BBC_TopGear I’m on set at the moment. Please contact my manager @DanJParker speak slow. He drinks!”

BBC officials have yet to name a replacement for Evans, but LeBlanc is expected to return for a second season after earning praise for his presenting style as he took over the driving seat of Top Gear.

Clarkson, Hammond and May have since signed up for their own motoring series on Amazon Prime, called The Grand Tour, which will debut later this year (16).